This page will give you an indication of the nature of the trails and the Karwendel. Times given are estimates and may differ from person to person. Try one for reference to check the others.
A clear characteristic of the Karwendel is the very steep north face of the range, and the remarkable lack of offshoots to the north. Therefore north-south trails are rare. The ranges can be crossed that way at only a few places.
The Karwendel has two characters. The lower parts, near the streams, are often very gentle with meadows and slow ascents. On the lower slopes, further from the streams, there is often not much vegetation as it is much drier. Then, suddenly, the mountains rise from that, with steep violent walls, discouraging any ascent. Walking from the Karwendelhaus to the Lamsjochhutte you have on your right hand high vertical walls, and on the left beautiful valleys.
Near the Hallerangerhaus the build up of the geological plates, from which the Karwendel is built, can be clearly seen. In a vertical position, the plates stand next to each other, showing that the Karwendel used to be below sea-level. In the Vomperloch one can find fossils of shells, giving extra proof
Most trails in the Karwendel are maintained by the 'Alpen Verein'. This means that they are, in most cases, of excellent quality. In some places erosion is clearly visible, mainly around the Engalm. But also the trail to the Birkarspitze is dangerous at first as the rocks in the ascent are eroded to round slippery stones, due to the many walkers.
In the low grounds the trails often follow maintenance roads, wide enough for cars and slow to ascend. Here the roads are without any danger except for an occasional falling rock. The higher roads however are very narrow and may run next to an abyss. For these trails you must not have any fear for altitudes. When going to peaks the trails are sometimes secured with steel cables for extra safety
There are many alternative tours. This is a selection from the AV Fuhrer Karwendel. The times do not include resting periods and are valid for both directions unless specified otherwise (->). Ascents (/) and descents (\) are given as an indication, as there may be differences in steepness, or there may be many small ups and downs in between.
Also take a look at the Tours page
Times are one-way times and without rest. Most peaks can be reached by other routes as well. Between brackets the height and difficulty are stated according AV standards. Minor parts can be difficult. Difficulty is mentioned in Roman figures. This is a selection from the 'AV fuhrer Karwendel'. Before going to a peak always ask the 'Huttenwirt' (cabin keeper) of the nearby cabin for the conditions.
There are two famous climbs in the Karwendel. First of course, the 'Lalidererwand' with many possible ascents, and secondly the Lamsenspitze, which has a vertical east side. Always remember that the Karwendel is part of the limestone alps and therefore the rock breaks very easily. A hook that may seem secure may come loose unexpectedly, when force is applied in special way. Also rocks may come loose when stepped upon by the climber in front of you. This killed a climber in 1994. Many experienced climbers fail ascents in the Karwendel. In spring climbing can be dangerous due to the unstable weather conditions.